Joining the WICC board was the result of prayer.
I have been involved with World Day of Prayer since I was first asked to speak at a WDP service in the north of Scotland about fifty years ago. Both in Scotland (where I grew up) and in Canada for the last 41 years, I have found the WDP service to be a link to Christians throughout the world. Therefore, when I was asked to represent the Women’s Missionary Society of the Presbyterian Church in Canada on the WICC Board, I felt honoured.
During my years at WICC, I have served as Secretary, President-Elect, and, lastly, as President for the past two years. Each role on the Board has given me the opportunity to work with sisters in Christ from many denominations. I have found each one to be deeply committed to WICC’s purpose of promoting justice for women and children through prayer and action. It is particularly satisfying to see the impact that the WICC grants have had on the lives of women and children in Canada and around the world.
It was a joy to chair the Fellowship of the Least Coin team and represent WICC with Mary Nordick on the International Committee of Fellowship of the Least Coin Board. We were able to set up an online Call to Prayer event last May, and 50 women from across Canada took part. The ICFLC Executive Director, Liza Lamis, spoke about the history of the organization and specifically about her work with FLC in the Philippines. The annual In-gathering FLC online service was also held in September, and many groups and individuals participated.
Our Executive Director, Cath MacKeil, and the other staff members have been a blessing to work with during my tenure. Now, Rev Jennifer Goddard-Sheppard has taken over as President, and I know she will further the work of WICC across Canada. My prayers are with her as she leads WICC for the next two years.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve WICC over the last two years as President.
Cathy Reid
Past President